[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS3E11KeepCalmAndFlutterOn Celestia releases Discord from stone and asks the Mane Six to try and reform him]]. Discord agrees to be reformed, [[AlternateUniverseFic but on one condition, unlike canon:]] Twilight has to survive a world at war with an existential threat, a world under alien attack, a world facing an... Enemy Unknown. Will she be able to find her way home, or will the other side's paranoia prove too much for her?

Complete with an ongoing sequel, ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/189185/mente-materia Mente Materia]]''. A "trailer" takes up the final chapter of the first story. The war has come to Equestria, with an intensity the aliens have not demonstrated against Earth yet. But those are just the beginning of XCOM's new problems...

An interquel, ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/174972/fortitude-amicitia Fortitude Amicitia]]'', which crosses over the universes of ''Stardust'' and Viking ZX's ''Fanfic/TheDuskGuardSaga'', has been released. WordOfGod is that whilst ''Fortitude Amicitia'' will be canon to ''Mente Materia'', it will not be canon for ''Dusk Guard''. ''Fortitude'' content has its own section.

A second interquel, ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/186104/broken Broken]]'', has also been released. It covers what happened to Twilight after she was successfully returned to Equestria at the end of ''Stardust''.

Also has a {{Prequel}}, ''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/248285/celestia Celestia]]'', which tells how the fabled Queen Solaria ended up becoming Princess Celestia through Discord's interference in Equestria's distant past.

Due to many {{Late Arrival Spoiler}}s all post-''Stardust'' content will be placed in their own sections.

!''Stardust'' contains examples of:* AbsoluteXenophobe: Extensively zig-zagged.** Initially discussed and averted; Matt clarifies to Zhang that X-Com wants to kill the aliens only because those aliens attacked them first, and not because of their being aliens. *** Supporting this viewpoint, in Supplemental Files 6, Bradford officially drafts and releases new operating procedures to account for the definite possibility of more Equestrians arriving, giving grounds for a non-hostile contact.** Then double subverted when several Strike leaders cheerfully express xenophobia in chapter 29 and drag Matt and Lana into the crossfire for their "exposure".--> '''Lieutenant Kato, Strike Seven:''' "I sure as hell know that I’m not risking my neck or Strike Seven so some furry freak can live here like we’re a hotel. We’re here to-- —kill every last one of these aliens.”** Comes up again in chapter 34 when a senior interceptor pilot [[spoiler:can't believe Vahlen wants to save Twilight despite all that the latter's done for them.]]* AbusiveParents: [[spoiler:Lana's]] father was one. Emphasis on ''[[SelfMadeOrphan was]]''.* ActorAllusion: The fic gives the first-nameless support staff first names. David Bradford is played by ''David'' Hoffman. Moira Vahlen is played by ''Moira'' Quirk. [[RuleOfThree And]] Charles Shen is played by...um, [[SubvertedTrope François Chau]].** Discord offers Celestia a cup of Earl Grey during his interrogation in Chapter 31, saying that "[[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration it comes highly recommended from a friend, though he’d deny up and down that we were so close.]]"* AdaptationExpansion: The fic takes many aspects of XCOM and expands on them -** For one, more than a single squad is deployed on most operations, the [[spoiler: Gangplank operation]] seeing 6 Skyrangers full of soldiers seeing action, and the Skyrangers also provide covering fire for the attackers. ** The mundane activities of the base personnel and research also get more focus, as it was largely just reading research reports in the actual game.** Operation Gangplank in the game ended with destroying power conduits on the surface of the alien battleship. Here, the troops must actually penetrate the ship and secure both the bridge and the engine room before it can be controlled.* AdaptationalVillainy: EXALT were always villains in XCOM, but they're even worse in this story. EXALT was largely [[BlackShirt just hostile alien sympathizers]] in the game, and their activities were largely anti-XCOM with the worst they did against civilians was raise panic in their country. Now, they're [[LesCollaborateurs actively collaborating with the aliens]] instead of staying out of their way, and they're planning to raise panic by [[FalseFlagOperation dressing in XCOM gear]] and performing Terror! missions on civilian cities.* AlienArtsAreAppreciated: Food from Equestria is apparently super-delicious to humans, which makes Pinkie Pie's desserts very appreciated amongst the Stardust team in chapter 20. This isn't just a case of Pinkie Pie being a SupremeChef, either; in an early chapter, Lana finds a piece of fruit transmuted into an Equestrian apple to be extremely tasty. Reviewers have commented this could just be because Army food tends to be bland as a rule of thumb, so anything tastes better after living on it.* AllOfTheOtherReindeer: After TheReveal InUniverse at the end of chapter 28, chapter 29 sees Matt and Lana getting the cold shoulder from several of their former comrades.--> '''Weiss:''' "I’m not sure I can trust someone to watch my back that’s so comfortable around an alien.”* AlternativeCharacterInterpretation: InUniverse. The humans at X-Com have formed several theories about characters from Equestria after hearing Twilight's descriptions of them.** The three Alicorn Princesses are believed to be immortal tyrants -- especially Cadance, who is believed to use her love-related powers to MindRape the populace into compliance.*** As of Supplemental Files 6, though, Dr. Mills is of the official opinion that Celestia, at the least, is quite restrained in the usage of her powers, so she isn't quite as much a source of fear as they had figured.** In chapter 22, the base psychiatrist suggests to Twilight that Discord may be so crazy due to the deleterious psychological effects of spending a thousand years as [[AndIMustScream a conscious mind trapped inside]] [[TakenForGranite an inanimate stone body]]. Twilight herself considers the idea with some unease before taking the stance she still can't forgive Discord for what he did to her and her friends, even if he has been driven insane.* AlternateUniverse: In canon, Zhang will always be a Heavy. Here, he's a Sniper.* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: The sleeker look of EXALT's laser weapons? Not just cosmetic. The weapons are smaller and lighter than XCOM's, even if the batteries have lower absolute capacity. After examining some captured ones in chapter 32, Shen takes it as a personal challenge.* AntiVillain: Dr. Moira Vahlen. While she comes off, even InUniverse, as a JerkAss MadScientist, she does [[JerkassHasAPoint have valid concerns]]. Twilight Sparkle has so much [[MindOverMatter telekinetic power]] she's like a walking A-bomb that can detonate multiple times, she can teleport practically anywhere at will, turn invisible and inaudible, perform spells that compel individuals to violently attempt to gain possession of a target she designates, and she seems to just keep coming up with new powers. A hostile Twilight Sparkle would be a ''nightmare'' to face. As proven in chapter 33.** CharacterDevelopment means she may be climbing out of this position.* AnyoneCanDie: As is usual in X-COM, being a named character does not protect you from horrible death. [[spoiler: Lana (she got better), Dryzimski in chapter 30, Kim and Joel in chapter 33.]]* AscendedExtra: For a very short time, Matt and Lana were literally nothing more than nameless, faceless soldiers. Matt was the random guy who captured Twilight, while Lana was joking around shortly before Shen met Twilight. They soon became the main points of contact between Twilight and XCOM.* ArbitrarySkepticism: ** Dr. Ngo refuses to believe Twilight's stories of Princesses Celestia and Luna manipulating the sun and moon of her planet, despite the fact she's talking to a pastel purple unicorn the size of a large dog who can speak, teleport, change physical matter on a molecular level, and [[BreadEggsMilkSquick has enough telekinetic power to crush a human into pulped gore with an idle thought]].** Averted by Dr. Mills, who notes that his initial gut reaction is to dismiss such a story, but then reminds himself he's talking to a purple unicorn on the topic of magic, and so she might just be telling the truth.** In chapter 26 Dr. Shen notes that the engineering staff who had seen so much previously thought impossible reached the breaking point when invisibility devices were broached.* BadassAdorable: Twilight Sparkle -- cute enough that even a hardened female X-Com soldier starts squeeing like a little girl over getting to be a contact with her, and with enough telekinetic power to not only smear a Chryssalid with a thought, but to blast apart the containment unit that X-Com performs its "interrogations" in. Keep in mind, this same unit in-game holds everything from the Ethereals to Muton Berserkers.** Chapter 33 puts the emphasis on the ''badass'' part, when Twilight [[spoiler: pretty much singlehandedly ''annihilates'' the enemy invasion. This includes shrugging off direct-hit plasma blasts from ''alien spaceships'']].* BadassNormal: Pretty much every recruit in X-Com, in theory. Robert Sachs, a new recruit from the [[AussiesWithArtillery Australian Tactical Assault Group]] introduced in chapter 24, is a stunning example. He got recruited for killing a Chryssalid. ''With a knife''.** EmpoweredBadassNormal: Chapter 28 reveals that [[spoiler:this is going to become endemic amongst X-Com, due to Twilight's presence; because she's been "loosening up" the native Field, it's becoming increasingly easy for humans to access it. Meaning more mages/psykers are "awaking" due to that ease -- and as they "massage" the Field in turn, it will become even easier, meaning even more people will gain the abilities. Lana, Matt and Bradford are all confirmed as having "awakened" so far.]]* BerserkButton: ** In chapter 14, [[spoiler: a captured Thin Man just flips the fuck out when it sees Twilight, starts making death threats and beats itself to death trying to get out and presumably at her.]]** In chapter 20, another soldier makes a poor choice of insult to an already-steamed Lana, and Lana makes him pay for it.** In chapter 32 we learn Vahlen really hates traitors to humanity.* BeyondTheImpossible: In her trans-dimensional letter to Twilight, Pinkie Pie manages to include enough pastries for every researcher in the Stardust project while managing not to squish them in the rolled up paper. Even after reviewing security footage, everyone is stumped how it happened.* BigBrotherInstinct: [[spoiler:Shining Armor makes a point of questioning Matt about how close he is to Twilight.]]* BigDamnHeroes: ** In chapter 33 [[spoiler:the Overseer Ethereal was about to capture Twilight when someone killed it. In chapter 34 it turns out to be Zhang using his LANC.]]** In chapter 34 [[spoiler:Luna and some guards were about to attack Matt and co. before Discord saved the latter by greatly shortening the countdown on their teleport back to Earth.]]* BlazingInfernoHellfireSauce: Pinkie Pie's special hotsauce, which is the immediately assumed ingredient in the cupcake she gives Spike in chapter 18, though he thinks she may have added some crushed "inferno rubies" as well. How hot is it? Spike, who [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E21DragonQuest swims in molten lava]] and actually thinks the "baked bads" that [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E4ApplebuckSeason leave Pinkie sick in bed]] are yummy, finds it too spicy to handle.--> '''Spike:''' ''And with her special sauce, too!? It’s like a party in my mouth, and everyone is on'' fire.* BlessedWithSuck: [[spoiler: Commander Bradford's CombatClairvoyance apparently [[PowerIncontinence cannot be shut off on its own]], and he literally grabbed the first never-tested-on-live-specimen prototype of a portable suppressor he could reach when Shen opened the case of them.]]* BlueAndOrangeMorality: Discord shows this all over the place.** In chapter 10, which is the first look back at Equestria after Twilight is vanished, it's revealed that Discord has not done anything (even moving) since sending Twilight to Earth, even calmly allowing Luna and Celestia to erect what should be a prison around him. Why? Because he's waiting for Twilight Sparkle to to fulfill her end of the bargain.** In chapter 22, Discord is horrified at the idea of bartering for or stealing souls from other people, because "The soul of a living creature is the purest spark of creativity and change in the universe. It is change, it is hope, it is the drive that every little living thing needs to motivate themselves to get up in the morning and take on the world, or at least their horrible commute and coworkers." Despite this, as fans of the canon are well aware, he sees no problem with doling out MindRape ForTheLulz. In the same chapter, he also [[spoiler: restores Lana to life because he wants her to keep being Twilight's friend.]]** Continues in chapter 31, where Discord chides and scolds Celestia to her face, for much the same reasons as in chapter 22, then turns around and [[spoiler:terrifies the hell out of a changeling acting as a conduit for Chrysalis for celebrating his "weakening" of the ponies.]]** In chapter 34 [[spoiler:he helps the Strike team sent to Equestria to return Twilight escape]], which confuses at least one Council member who was led to believe by Discord's previous actions that he would have actively hindered Twilight's return.* BreakTheCutie: Twilight's gotten a continuous chain of these in the early chapters, starting with witnessing a Chryssalid slaughter some civilians, then having to kill it in self-defence, and going on from there. It happens again in chapter 33 when she recalls [[spoiler:Lana and Matt fighting the EXALT infiltrator and starts wondering if Shining Armor also has a killer within.]]* BrokenBird: ** Twilight seems on the way to becoming this; she's had several really bad nightmares about the events of the first few chapters, and in chapter 14, she has a PTSD-style flashback to the Chryssalid attack upon being confronted with a spider.** Confirmed for Vahlen in chapter 17; [[spoiler: her family were killed by a Chryssalid in a Terror Attack ''while she was listening over the phone.'']]* BroughtDownToBadass: ** In chapter 31, Celestia asks why Discord doesn't "release her" so she can protect Equestria from [[spoiler: the incoming alien invasion]], implying that he did this to her. Discord refuses by declaring she'd become just as great a threat to Equestria if he did. [[spoiler: ''Fortitude Amicitia'' gives a strong hint as to why he sealed off some of her powers in the first place.]]** It's established earlier on that Earth has a much weaker magic field than Equestria. As chapter 33 shows, Twilight is still frighteningly powerful in spite of that.* BullyingADragon: ** Vahlen's cold, provocative attitude is really not the smartest one to take when she herself notes that X-Com couldn't hope to build ''anything'' that would stand up to Twilight's telekinetic blasts. Fortunately, she eventually grows out of it.** Made even worse by the fact Twilight has, and has explained to X-Com that she has, very close social bonds to Princesses Celestia and Luna, either of whom is [[PhysicalGod powerful enough to make Twilight look like a stage magician]]... and Twilight is pretty damn scary compared to humans as it is. If they come to Earth looking for Twilight, and find she's been {{Mind Rape}}d and dissected, it would ''not'' be good for X-Com.** Lampshaded when the two volunteers agree that they thought a scientist like Vahlen would be "smart enough not to try and brow beat a test subject that could reduce her to a red stain and an unpleasant memory with a thought".** Played for laughs in chapter 14; Lana thinks it's a good idea to tease Twilight about her crush on Matt. The unicorn is not amused and promptly zaps Lana with a minor hex that temporarily obliterates all noise that Lana makes, effectively putting her on "mute".*** Then the same thing happens ''again'' in the very next chapter. Twilight muting Lana might be on its way to becoming a RunningGag.** Invoked in chapter 17, when Vahlen points out Twilight's connections to her homeworld's royalty, and the potential power level thereof, when she revises her recommendation from cancelling Project: Stardust to keeping it running.* BurningWithAnger: ** According to chapter 10, Celestia nearly vaporised her throne room when she got Spike's message that Discord had just vanished Twilight to parts unknown. She's still blazing hot enough to crack marble and disintegrate carpeting when she teleports back after confirming this.** [[spoiler: Twilight in chapter 33 leaves behind hoofprints melted into the floor of the X-Com facility when she goes berserk.]]* TheButcher: Episode 24 reveals that Matt has this nickname in the media, from the incident where he had to shoot an insurgent ChildSoldier that he brings up in chapter 14.* BystanderSyndrome: Twilight's homebrewed "Wallflower" spell lets her weaponise this, effectively inverting the [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E3LessonZero "Want-It, Need-It" spell]] to cause people to ignore the targets of the spell.** LogicalWeakness: Because it's not true invisibility, instead a sort of hypnosis, it doesn't work on machines. Like, say, Cyberdiscs... [[spoiler:Or on emotion-sensers like changelings.]]* CanonWelding: The fic was well underway before ''[[ExpansionPack Enemy Within]]'' for XCOM was even rumored. Now that the expansion is released (much to the author's enjoyment), new developments such as Meld and EXALT are being introduced into the story.* CarFu: In chapter 33 a SHIV rams a Mechtoid to bring it down.* CardboardPrison: Discord is still capable of wielding large amounts of power in spite of Celestia's custom-built prison. The main reason why he doesn't just escape is due to keeping his end of the deal with Twilight.* ChekhovsGun: [[spoiler: An early comment by Twilight is that the native "Field" is stiff and musty from disuse, but it'll loosen up as she uses it more. Come chapter 28, and TheReveal that a side-effect of a "loosened" Field is that it becomes increasingly easy to touch, meaning X-Com members are starting to spontaneously develop powers of their own as they can begin to access it.]]* TheChessmaster: Discord. [[spoiler:He was aware of the alien threat from the very beginning, and all of his actions had been geared toward securing the humans' help for when the invasion of Equestria happened.]]* CombatClairvoyance: [[spoiler:Bradford has this ability.]] He's quite disturbed by it, partly due to the strain it causes.* CompositeCharacter: Bradford here is a composite of the original and the player-controlled Commander.* CrapsackWorld: From what the newbies said in chapter 24, the world outside XCOM looks pretty bad.* CurbstompBattle:** Twilight vs. Chryssalid; Twilight squishes the specimen of the InUniverse DemonicSpiders with literally nothing more than a thought.** [[spoiler:Twilight vs. an army of aliens and [=EXALTs=]; Twilight destroys every synthetic and petrifies every living opponent she faces, until she encountered the Ethereal Overseer.]]* {{Cyborg}}: Twilight designs cyber-prosthetics for maimed soldiers after [[spoiler: Lana gets her arm cut off]]. It's implied she's used certain "spell-circuits" related to {{golem}} construction to get around some of the logistical problems invoked by this trope.* CynicismCatalyst: In chapter 15 it's strongly implied that ''something'' bad, probably alien-caused, happened to [[spoiler: Vahlen's family to make her the cold, paranoid jerkass she currently is.]] [[spoiler: Confirmed in chapter 17; Vahlen's family were killed by Chryssalids in a Terror Attack, and she was on the phone listening as they were slaughtered.]]* DarkAndTroubledPast: '''Everyone''' at X-COM. Twilight might also qualify, though it's not exactly in the past yet.* DeathDealer: Inadvertently happens in chapter 29 when [[spoiler:Lana's testing of Matt's telekinesis with playing cards]] goes awry.* DirtyBusiness: After some squad leaders protest about the limited distribution of Wallflower "equipment" in chapter 22 costing them the lives of many men, Bradford lies about its true origin in order to protect Twilight, feeling distasteful about it all the while.* EstablishingCharacterMoment: For various alien types.** The first Muton Berserker in chapter 28 [[WouldHurtAChild uses a child as a]] HumanShield.** The first Mechtoid in chapter 33 is an ImplacableMan.** The first Ethereal, also in chapter 33, psionically overpowers [[spoiler:Twilight]] with ''two words''.* TheEvilsOfFreeWill: ** In chapter 31 Discord claims that the Elements of Harmony would fail against the Ethereal invasion because the Ethereals and their slave races adhere to their own twisted sense of Order.** In the same chapter, he makes it clear that he believes that Celestia herself would fall into this if he "released her". [[spoiler: ''Fortitude Amicitia'', revealing as it does the existence of a "Queen Solaria" who engaged in rampant petrification of ponies for the most petty reasons, implies that he believes this because ''she already went this route before''.]]* ExactWords: ** Twilight wasn't being facetious when she said about the spell she cast on Matt and Lana: "“If it works out right, nopony will notice anything”. The spell is basically an invisibility spell that works by causing others to not notice anything the target does.** [[spoiler:Luna told Discord to leave 'this place' and never return, but failed to mention actually leaving Earth.]]* FacePalm: Matt frequently does/feels the urge to do so in response to the the antics of those around, especially Lana.* FalseFlagOperation: EXALT is in the preparation for these in an attempt to discredit XCOM, confirmed by WordOfGod. They've managed to acquire a Skyranger and first-generation XCOM combat uniforms, intending to run equivalent Terror! missions against cities to incite panic.* FictionalDocument: There are several "Supplemental Files" that are InUniverse, complete with added notes "pencilled in" at the margins.* {{Foreshadowing}}: Early on, Shen tells Twilight that "When we are afraid, we lash out at the cause." In chapter 33 [[spoiler:a scared soldier mistakes her for a hostile and shoots her.]]* FreudianExcuse: Lana has one for her fixation on the importance of hope -- [[spoiler: hope was all that helped her get through her life when her coming out as a lesbian caused her father to explode in a fit of violence, resulting in him then turning on her mother and Lana having to shoot him to prevent him from killing either of them, and the resultant consequences of that shooting]].* FridgeHorror: Several InUniverse examples thus far:** Joel wonders in chapter 23 if the spell Shining Armor and Cadance used to drive the Changelings out of Canterlot crushed any then-indoors Changelings between the spells and the walls.** Dr. Ngo wonders just what kind of hellish experience Twilight's childhood must have been if she was first taught by royalty AND babysat by royalty, only to then be brought into the royalty by marriage.** [[spoiler: Bradford's mind evidently goes ''somewhere'' horrible when Twilight explains that people developing magical/psionic powers is going to become a chain reaction; he immediately orders her to design and build blockers to prevent such awakenings.]]* GasLeakCoverup: Widely used by the Council to explain away alien attacks in the early months of the invasion, and even used by XCOM to recruit soldiers/pilots from the regular military. Vic Spiegel is a specific example.* GrenadeHotPotato: Matt does this in episode 9 with an alien grenade, ensuring no casualties, but getting himself seriously wounded; he's lucky not to have wound up paralysed or dead. [[spoiler: Justified in chapter 28; his exposure to Twilight's magic is starting to awaken telekinetic abilities of his own.]]* {{Golem}}: Equestria apparently used to have them, as Twilight immediately starts recalling the stories of them after being given information about the Cyberdisk. They've been illegal for a long time, though.* GoneHorriblyRight: When parallels between a material from Equestria's past and Elerium were pointed out [[spoiler: in a letter from Pinkie Pie]], they try to test an Elerium sample for magic reactivity with a levitation spell. The sample punches through the ceiling, through the mess hall (almost killing Joel), through the rest of the base, the ground above them, and eventually hitting a reconnaissance satellite. Turns out "Arcanite" fundamentally enhances any spell cast on them, so using telekinesis means a super-kinetic surge; they were expecting it to glow because that was the first documented spell cast on Arcanite.* GoryDiscretionShot: The end of chapter 31, where Discord goes full Lovecraftian on [[spoiler:a changeling acting as a conduit for Chrysalis.]]** [[spoiler: BalefulPolymorph[=/=]FateWorseThanDeath]]: Implied. [[spoiler: When the guards find that Changeling minutes later, hoarse from screaming, Discord explicitly refers to it as a "''perfectly normal unicorn''".]]* HadToBeSharp: In chapter 31 Discord claims this of mankind, pointing out how they had to struggle on their own against their uncaring universe without magic or a benevolent deity-like being actively guiding them.* HeroicBSOD: Twilight undergoes one that last for about a week after Vahlen tries to force her to display her telekinetic offensive abilities.* HeroicRROD: [[spoiler:Twilight pushes herself to extreme measures to obliterate as many Ethereal forces as possible. Her medical reports suggest that the strain from such a feat means she possibly can't do anything similar in the future.]]* HopeSpot: Discussed in chapter 20: [[spoiler:Shen reprimands Lana for making Twilight think that Matt's romantically interested in her, saying that this kind of false hope will only make things worse once the truth comes out. Lana insists in retort that false hope is better than no hope.]]* HumansAreSpecial: Discord believes this to be the case due to their inventiveness and stubborn will to do seemingly impossible tasks.* INeedAFreakingDrink: In chapter 27 Frank takes a swig of liquor straight from the bottle after [[spoiler:the Ea reactor nearly goes critical.]]* IfIWantedYouDead: In chapter 30 Discord claims that he wouldn't have done this roundabout sending Twilight to Earth thing if he really wanted her dead.* ImplacableMan: The first appearance of a Mechtoid in chapter 33 has it as this, tanking fire that at least two Mutons and six Chryssalids are shredded by thanks to its DeflectorShields.* ImprovisedWeapon: ** In chapter 33, [[spoiler:when a Mechtoid isn't affected by Twilight's petrification spell, she telekinetically throws a vault door at it. Both it and the door go through four walls before finally being stopped by bedrock.]]** In chapter 34, we see in flashback that [[spoiler:Twilight managed to petrify another Mechtoid and [[GrievousHarmWithABody use it to batter down the shields of a third]].]]* InASingleBound: Demonstrated by EXALT troopers.* InterspeciesRomance: Apparently, it's fairly common in Equestria, in part because there are an average of 3 stallions to every 7 mares. Upon hearing this, Lana immediately figures the best way to give Twilight a better problem to occupy her mind with is to tell her that Matt thinks she's cute. Fortunately for her, Twilight is both a naive virgin and unaware that Matt was the soldier who captured her for X-Com, so given the context in which Lana mentions it, it's not that surprising Twilight starts thinking she may have a human would-be suitor. Twilight turns Matt down on the grounds that she's not ready in chapter 24, with Matt being relieved, as he was trying to find a way to let her down first.* {{Irony}}: The very soldier who catches Twilight for X-Com ends up being assigned to her as a "friend", and she firmly trusts him, to the point that she eventually starts believing he has a crush on her... and seems to be reciprocating.* IronicEcho: Vide wrote "We will be watching" on the wall of his cell, a phrase commonly said by the Council after their briefings.* JerkassHasAPoint: ** Vahlen [[spoiler: and, as we learn in chapter 15, the Council, though chapter 16 shows the latter are far from unanimous]] comes off as unnecessarily nasty to those of us with outside knowledge, but she does have a point; Twilight is basically an EldritchAbomination, no matter how cutesy-adorable she is, and she could pose a serious threat to the survival of the human race if she starts using her powers against them. A bit of paranoid suspicion is quite justifiable.** Invoked/lampshaded by Commander Bradford, though even he thinks Vahlen is letting her paranoia run away with her common sense, and gives her some pointed advice on the subject in chapter 11.* KnightOfCerebus: InUniverse, Vahlen deliberately tries to use Zhang to shake Twilight out of her cosy world-view in hopes that this will make Twilight more "productive" in terms of providing useful information, etc, against the invaders.* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: When happening upon the alien entertainment device in Chapter 30:-->[[MythologyGag “Is this what the aliens do for fun?”]]\\[[TakeThatUs “At least they’re not reading bad fanfiction on the internet."]]* LesCollaborateurs: EXALT has been upgraded from hostile [[BlackShirt Black Shirts]] who operate independently to aid the aliens to actually being under their command and supply.* MagicAIsMagicA: ** Spike's "messenger fire" explicitly uses a different form of magic to that used by the ponies, according to chapter 18. In fact, Spike's fire messages are technically a form of SympatheticMagic, relying on Spike's familiarity with the targeted individual and/or destination. This is how they were able to send the messages in chapter 17; Luna helped guide Spike, the Mane 5, Cadance, Shining Armor, Princess Celestia and herself in using ThePowerOfFriendship to boost Spike's messenger fire and let him send the messages to Twilight, despite not knowing where she is.** Averted with Equestrian magic and X-Com psionics, however; all evidence so far is that "psionics" is just a particular branch of magic, and Twilight can easily recognize alien "spell-circuits" due to their resembling runes and the like from Equestria.* MajorInjuryUnderreaction: In chapter 21, [[spoiler: Lana takes losing her left arm surprisingly well. The fact she's bleeding out, in physical shock and dies moments later probably helps her keep her cool.]]* MamaBear: The Princess's response when [[spoiler:XCOM sends a team to return Twilight to her home world]] is... excessive, but there can be no doubt that it was out of concern for her safety.* MetaphoricallyTrue: Lana and Matt use this trope to describe the "specialist" that will help train XCOM's latent magic users. They say that "she's a little girl that comes up to your waist," "she's extremely sensitive," and "despite her outward appearance, she's just like us on the inside." Extremely truthful, but the trainees don't find out that Twilight is an [[AlienAnimals alien]] girl until they actually see her.* TheMole: It's strongly suggested that EXALT has at least one within the Council.* MoodWhiplash: ** Happens a lot, given this is a serial mixing an animated series about cute talking ponies with a game about violent, paranoia-inducing alien/human warfare.** In Chapter 32, Twilight is watching a Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone movie with her friends [[spoiler:moments before Vide barges in and tries to kill them.]]** [[spoiler:Bradford and Princess Luna's solemn meeting takes a turn for the comedic when Discord interrupts by noisily drinking a soda.]]* MoralGuardians: Invoked in that when Twilight is given internet access in chapter 15, everyone thinks it's a good idea to restrict her access to certain topics that could lead to unpleasant questions or reactions, like [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking religion, warfare, sex and geography]].** Psychiatrist Dr. Frank [=McKendrick=] warns in his report in Supplemental Files 6 that X-Com should take every precaution not to discuss outright offensive applications of Twilight's powers/knowledge where she can hear, as she is likely to react ''very'' badly to the thought of being used for things that are not defensive or utilitarian in purpose.* MundaneObjectAmazement: Early on, Twilight is absolutely amazed by a ballpoint pen, treating it as if it were the invention of the century. This is one of the points raised in her favor, as an alien invader with advanced technology wouldn't be so fascinated by a ''pen'' as to take it apart to see how it works.* MundaneUtility: A lot of Twilight's powers, to the bemusement of X-Com. Telekinesis that can crush a Chryssalid to a smear in one shot or drive solid steel two inches into solid rock? She uses it for tidying up after herself. A spell that renders the target completely silent, so even their actions make no noise? Perfect for silencing an annoying woman teasing you. Inverted in that X-Com is at least considering trying to weaponise any spell that seems it might be useful.* MythologyGag: ** In chapter 8, Twilight tells Lana about [[Characters/FriendshipIsMagicPinkiePie a friend of hers]] who has the ability to foresee various events through strange bodily twitches and actions, and that she [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E15FeelingPinkieKeen went kind of crazy trying to figure out how it worked]]. *** Happens again in chapter 20, she is quick to caution Vahlen and the others not to try and figure out how Pinkie does the things she does, citing her own disastrous attempt at doing so.** In chapter 11, Twilight confirms that her "Wallflower" spell she used to protect Matt and Lana is basically an inversion of the [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E3LessonZero "Want-It, Need-It" spell]].** In the bonus "WhatIf" chapter, after Fluttershy forces [=XCOM=] and the Aliens to stop fighting, the Council Leader's dialogue when shutting XCOM down is identical to the NonStandardGameOver in Enemy Unknown, complete with the odd phrasing indicating mind control.** The [[ItMakesSenseInContext pin-up photos of Twilight Sparkle]] are noted to have her making "bedroom eyes," which Matt surmises were simply lucky frames from a high-speed video camera while Twilight was mid-blink. This references the [=MLP=] fan trend where episodes are paused for [[http://derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTMvMDcvMDcvMTlfMjNfNDdfODA0XzM2Njc5OV9fc2FmZV90d2lsaWdodF9zcGFya2xlX3NjcmVlbmNhcF9iZWRyb29tX2V5ZXMiXV0/366799__safe_twilight%2Bsparkle_solo_screencap_bedroom%2Beyes.png the]] [[http://derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTMvMDQvMjcvMTZfNDdfNDZfNTQ0XzMwOTgzNF9fVU5PUFRfX3NhZmVfdHdpbGlnaHRfc3BhcmtsZV9mbHV0dGVyc2h5X3NwaWtlLmpwZWciXV0/309834__safe_twilight%2Bsparkle_fluttershy_spike_screencap_bedroom%2Beyes_friendship%2Bis%2Bmagic.jpeg same]] [[http://derpicdn.net/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTMvMDMvMDUvMDRfMDRfNDlfMjZfMjYyOTEwX19VTk9QVF9fc2FmZV90d2lsaWdodF9zcGFya2xlX3NjcmVlbmNhcF9iZWRyb29tX2V5ZXNfYm9va19zcGlrZV9hdF95b3VyX3NlcnZpY2Vfb3V0X29mX2NvbnRleHRfYm9va3NfbGlicmFyeV8xMDgwcC5qcGcuanBnIl1d/262910__safe_twilight%2Bsparkle_screencap_bedroom%2Beyes_book_out%2Bof%2Bcontext_golden%2Boaks%2Blibrary_spike%2Bat%2Byour%2Bservice_books_library_1080p.jpg effect]].** In chapter 15 [[spoiler: the Council considers having Twilight sent to the Argentina base for further interrogation, a reference to the bonus for locating your base in or having full satellite coverage over South America being instant completion of interrogations.]]** In chapter 18, Spike gets a super-spicy cupcake from Pinkie Pie and thinks she's used her "special sauce", clearly referring to the hotsauce cupcake that Pinkie ate in [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E1MareInTheMoon the first episode]].** In chapter 35 one of the things Twilight gets from Celestia is Starswirl's book of unfinished spells, [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS3E13MagicalMysteryCure a certain one of which has been solved]] by the time [[spoiler:Luna and Bradford meet.]]* NeckSnap: [[spoiler: Vide kills several X-Com operatives in this manner.]]* NonLethalWarfare: Deliberately [[InvokedTrope invoked]] by Matt's team [[spoiler:to avoid an interplanetary incident on their mission to Equestria, nearly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] when they came under attack but played straight when Discord intervened.]]* NoodleIncident: The only thing known about the SHIV's encounter with Pinkie Pie is that it came back to Earth covered in various party supplies.* NotSoAboveItAll: In chapter 15, Dr. Vahlen finds herself twice reprimanding herself and having to rework her latest reports to dehumanise Twilight after absent-mindedly using her name and feminine pronouns throughout the reports.* NotWhatItLooksLike: Chapter 14, Lana walks in on Matt cuddling Twilight (he's comforting her over her Chryssalid-related issues -- somewhat involuntarily; she hugged him first and he's under orders not to touch her without her permission). [[ShipperOnDeck Naturally]], she can't resist teasing him about it.* OhCrap:** The X-Com scientists, Vahlen, Mills and Ngo, all get one when Twilight freaks out at the approaching interrogation machines and teleports out of the containment cell.** Twilight gets one when she not only realizes that further tests will have to be with the cold, scary Vahlen instead of the friendly humans who have been interacting with her thus far, but remembers that two of her "new friends", Mills and Ngo, were standing right alongside her when she was about to painfully interrogate her.** Mills gets one in literary form when he realizes that Twilight has remembered what he and Ngo were party to and she no longer trusts them.** Luna (and everypony present, if we're honest) gets one when they see Princess Celestia is ''seriously'' ticked off by what Discord has done.** Matt gets one in chapter 30 when [[spoiler:the Sectoid Commander pulls the knowledge of Twilight's existence from his mind and presumably sends it on.]]** The first experiment with Elerium and magic was this. They wound up punching a hole through the entire base, and took out a satellite. ** Matt and his team get this reaction when they see [[spoiler:how angry Celestia is over Twilight's injuries.]]* OldShame: In universe, the events of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E3LessonZero Lesson Zero]] are this to Twilight, especially her usage of the [[AppleOfDiscord "Want-It, Need-It" spell]].* [[spoiler:[[OneManArmy One Mare Army]]: Twilight utterly annihilates the Alien task force invading the X-COM facility.]]* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: ** InUniverse, chapter 8 has Matt and Lana note how earth-shatteringly strange it was to see Chief Engineer Shen not merely angry, but livid, when he is normally the affable, easy-tempered member of X-Com's hierarchy, to the point he's considered the base's resident SantaClaus.** In chapter 30, Matt is worried when Fujikawa breaks radio silence sounding scared.** In chapter 33, Twilight recalls Lana's face having "an emotion Twilight could not comprehend or describe" when the latter was about to [[spoiler:beat the shit out of the EXALT infiltrator.]] It only grows more pronounced when Matt and Vahlen start "acting up".** In general, Lana is a perpetual joker and prankster even at inappropriate times, so people pay attention when she's being serious.* OutsideContextVillain: Twilight's abilities [[BeyondTheImpossible break all the laws of reality]] Vahlen has ever known.* ParanoiaFuel: ** Twilight Sparkle is this, InUniverse, to Dr. Vahlen. She's cute, adorable and harmless looking to the point even other X-Com members want to trust and comfort her... while, at the same time, being incredibly powerful, with "PsychicPowers" that include possible MindControl, teleportation, and sufficient MindOverMatter that she can tear through the thickest defenses X-Com can build. The best calculations that X-Com has suggests she could probably destroy headquarters singlehandedly, and nobody else seems to think she's a threat. TheReveal that she can alter perceptions doesn't help. After chapter 17, though, this seems to be dwindling.** Chapter 28 gives some to Commander Bradford, apparently: [[spoiler: he immediately orders that Twilight start making "awakening blocking" devices upon finding out that more and more people are going to keep developing powers.]]** In chapter 34 a Council member wonders how long Discord may have been interfering with Earth.* PowerIncontinence: [[spoiler:Bradford. As his precognition develops without a way for him to turn it off without a PowerNullifier, it puts more and more strain on his mind.]]* PowerNullifier: As of chapter 29, X-COM has developed one [[spoiler: as a result of Bradford's directive in the previous chapter.]]* PragmaticAdaptation: ** Explicit mention is made of multiple Strike teams, unlike in canon where you only see the one.** A typical Strike Team numbers eight instead of 4-6, half of them being regular riflemen, and the other half, specialists.** The Skyrangers are capable of providing [[GunshipRescue close air support]], and their pilots are armed.** The numbers and strength of alien opposition are also significantly increased to offset the above.** [=EXALT=] is portrayed as fielding Meld-based gene-enhanced troopers, and as using rip-offs of X-COM's uniforms to try and disgrace X-COM whenever they go on their own missions.** [[spoiler:The alien base assault]] aliens are mainly rear-echelon personnel who presumably were not expecting to be found by XCOM, rather than hardened field combatants.** Alien forces start fielding their own heavy weapons and stealth infiltrators.** MELD canisters are no longer randomly scattered around the area. Instead, the substance is first encountered in storage inside the alien base.** It made little sense for Zhang to be a Heavy in the original game, after he had demonstrated an uncanny skill with a pistol in the mission-beginning cutscene. Here he has become a sniper instead.* PretentiousLatinMotto: Mente Materia, which roughly translates to 'The matter of the mind'.* {{Pun}}:** Lana is well known for these. During her conversation with Matt in chapter 24, she drops some real groaners of hand and arm-related puns. Crosses over with BlackComedy because she's making those puns because of her own severed arm.** In chapter 24, Twilight also makes a bad joke about the research team losing the prototype artificial Wallflower module (as in, the device intended to make itself and whoever it's applied to invisible).* PunctuatedForEmphasis: Matt in chapter 20.* PrivateMilitaryContractors: Mentioned but {{Averted}}. News reports mention how analysts expected the industry to be booming due to the wealthy wanting protection from alien attacks, but the major contractors claim there's "a shortage of experienced operatives." Likely due to being recruited to [=XCOM=], see the entry for Fridge Brilliance.* PyrrhicVictory: Matt considers the [[spoiler: raid on the alien base this. XCOM managed to capture the base with the Sectoid Commander and prevented potential EXALT operations, but over half their soldiers were killed with the rest wounded. Additionally, the Sectoid Commander managed to MindRape Twilight's presence from Matt's mind before it went down, and presumably transmitted her location to the Hive Mind]].* RammingAlwaysWorks: ** When the combined laser and LANC fire proves ineffective against a shielded Mechtoid, a SHIV rams into it, toppling it over, before finishing it off with a point-blank heavy laser barrage.** [[spoiler:Twilight takes down an alien battleship by telekinetically ramming a scout saucer ''through'' it.]]* RealityEnsues: ** In one chapter, Lana uses her cybernetic arm to [[SuperStrength karate-chop]] to effortlessly cave in a sectoid's skull, rather than use a knife like her comrades. However, in the ensuing gore, some bits of sectoid brain get stuck in her arm's joints, which Lana complains about.** In chapter 33 a frightened human [[spoiler:mistakes Twilight's UnstoppableRage for a threat and shoots her]].* ReasonableAuthorityFigure:** Shen is the first to realise that Twilight Sparkle acts absolutely nothing like the other invaders and to suggest a diplomatic approach.** Commander Bradford is also one; he agrees to allow Shen to try and make peaceful contact with Twilight, then supports his suggestions that they continue diplomacy. In chapter 8, he does point out that Vahlen's concerns are valid, but also notes that she will need to be reprimanded for her bullying approach to interaction with Twilight, something he does in chapter 11. He's also willing to give Twilight the benefit of the doubt while there's reasonable proof she is what she claims to be, and to try and make things comfortable for her without compromising the base. Shen himself says that so long as whatever you think of is logical, reasonable and beneficial, Bradford let you do what you want.* RedShirt: Well, this is an X-Com crossover. Lots of soldier deaths is expected.* TheReveal:** Twilight Sparkle has an invisibility spell and can also alter it to create an effect that drives people mad with desire.** In chapter 14, [[spoiler: Twilight's attempt at using her translation spell on a Thin Man drives the normally stoic alien into a berserker state fuelled by hate so intense it mutilates itself to death in an effort to escape and get at her]].** In chapter 15, [[spoiler: the Council are constructing a new containment unit in the Argentina base specifically to hold Twilight Sparkle and, should Commander Bradford agree, she'll be sent there for... much more bluntly direct interrogation]].** In chapter 28, [[spoiler: because of Twilight's presence and her continued manipulation of the ambient mana, humans are gaining the ability to access it and becoming empowered themselves. As more people become empowered, they will make it even easier to access the Field, so empowerment will spread exponentially.]]* RoaringRampageOfRevenge: In his report for Supplemental Files 6, Dr. Frank [=McKendrick=], the base psychiatrist, cautions X-Com to remove Lana and Matt from active duty and to avoid letting Twilight know that X-Com is even ''thinking'' of using her powers or knowledge for offensive purposes, lest she go on one of these.* RonTheDeathEater: Possibly due to Twilight's poor representations, the humans InUniverse are starting to wonder as of chapter 13 if [[LoveGoddess Cad]][[FriendToAllLivingThings ance]] may be the real biggest potential threat of the three princesses.* SanitySlippage: InUniverse, several of the X-Com members wonder if Vahlen is perhaps going insane -- she's been acting strangely, and refusing to see the base psychologist. Fortunately, once she has her HeelRealization, Vahlen gets much better.* ScienceVersusMagic: Averted. Alien technology turns out to be heavily based on melding science with magic, such as the "spell-circuits" (circuitry literally fashioned in the shape of runes and thusly channeling magic instead of electricity) that keep the slave-races obedient.* SelfMadeOrphan: [[spoiler: Lana]] shot her father dead with a shotgun at the age of 12. [[DomesticAbuse He was trying to hurt her mother at the time]].* ShipperOnDeck: Lana has all the subtlety of a wrecking ball when it comes to seeing Matt and Twilight get together, despite claiming she only started the idea to give Twilight something less major to stress over than her current tenuous position.* ShipTease: Quite a bit between [[spoiler:Twilight and Matt]], dire circumstances and Lana notwithstanding.* ShootTheBullet: In chapter 33 Zhang shoots an alien's rocket while it's still in the launcher.* ShoutOut: ** In chapter 11, Twilight claims she developed her "Wallflower" spell because of a strange blue artefact protected by what its [[Series/DoctorWho owner]] called a "perception filter".*** "Big red thing, FiveRoundsRapid!" And the trooper the Brigadier was addressing in the original scene? A Jenkins.** "So the explanation of all our myths is aliens?" [[http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ancient-aliens I'm not saying it was aliens, but...]] ([[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/100455/16/stardust/consensus#comment/2945618 Confirmed by]] WordOfGod)** "First there was a flock of guys from Strike Six who were trying to convince me their Sergeant could [[Film/TheMatrix bend spoons with his mind]] and now unicorns?"*** {{Call Back}}ed in chapter 29. “So, basically, you’re saying that there is no spoon?”** According to Twilight, the leading theory on Discord's origin is that he's [[TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} a manifestation of negative emotions on the magical field.]] In essence, a Chaos God.** At the start of chapter 25, Twilight is reading ''Literature/HarryPotter''.** When Lana is asked how [[spoiler:she hobbled out of the Med-bay without anyone noticing]]:-->“Uh...[[Franchise/MetalGear a cardboard box and good timing?]]”** The OperationBlank naming-generator eventually gave the name "Exploding Face." It's the same name as the operation in the other [=XCOM=] crossover [[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/62142/xcom-equestria-unknown [=XCOM=]: Equestria Unknown]], where a ridiculous name [[EpicFail was just the first thing to go wrong]] with the mission to Equestria.** The project names mentioned in chapter 26, while technically drawn from mythology, almost all also appeared in ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight''. The "hit target before the projectile travels" guns from project "Gae Bolg" get the official designation of LANC.** One of the interceptor squadrons is [[Anime/{{Robotech}} Skull Squadron]].** The beginning of Discord's interrogation in Chapter 31 implies that [[ActorAllusion he's also]] [[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration Q]].** During an exercise Twilight uses [[{{VideoGame/Portal}} portals]] to redirect baseballs.** In chapter 35 Luna is called [[Blog/{{Moonstuck}} "Woona"]].** Also in chapter 35, the whole scene with the unused and apparently broken Kaleidoscope being externally activated bears a striking resemblance to similar scenes in ''{{Series/Stargate SG1}}''.** The last line of chapter 35: [[Manga/DeathNote "All according to plan."]]** In the epilogue/trailer that is chapter 36, a unicorn is shown [[Manga/ACertainScientificRailgun killing Exalt troops with flung coins.]]** In Chapter 23, Vahlen notes that the mind control and receiver implants in the aliens' bodies could be combined to [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 assume direct control]] over them.* ShutUpHannibal: In chapter 34 Vahlen gets quite cross with a senior interceptor pilot who [[spoiler:gives her lip about Twilight.]]* ShutUpKirk: In chapter 20, [[spoiler: Lana blows up when Matt and Shen call her out on shipping Matt and Twilight together.]]* SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism: The foundation of the story is the clash between two settings that exist on opposite ends of the scale. Even then, one can see both cynical and idealistic attitudes from the humans in regards Twilight.** Dr. Ngo postulates that Cutie Marks are deliberately manipulated by the adults to aid in social engineering, because she can't believe that they really are just abstract representations of natural talents or traits an individual pony has. She also suspects Princess Candance's empathic powers are used to help exert control over the ponies of Equestria, and, in a bit of InUniverse FridgeHorror, wonders just what Twilight's childhood was like growing up as a personal student of the effective queen of her world, with another princess acting as her foalsitter and eventually going out with her brother.** Shen postulates that Twilight makes friends so easily because she, passively or actively, projects a mind-influencing aura that induces people to like her and want to trust her. Despite this, he's still quite at ease around her, as he doesn't believe her intentions are hostile -- she's trying to make them befriend her because she's in a very scary and threatening situation.** Dr. Frank [=McKendrick=], the X-Com psychiatrist, is of the professional opinion that Twilight's "likeability" stems not from any manipulations on her part, but from natural human responses to her {{Adorkable}} attitude/behavior and appearance as a [[CutenessProximity cute, cuddly, furry little animal]].* SquishyWizard: Twilight's spells are strong enough to destroy anything that XCOM can throw at her. On the other hand, XCOM doesn't really need much to take down Twilight herself. She was captured because she got hit by an Arc Thrower, and that only works on the aliens when they're nearly dead. Considering that Twilight wasn't hurt in the least when she arrived on Earth, that says something about her physical condition.* StealthPun: In chapter 35 [[spoiler:Discord]] wears a black t-shirt with the XCOM emblem on it, with the words ‘That’s’ and ‘Baby!’ before and after the emblem.[[labelnote:explanation]]In other words... [[FandomNod That's XCOM, baby!]][[/labelnote]]* SuperpoweredEvilSide: [[spoiler:Celestia]] apparently has one in the form of [[spoiler:an ice-blue alicorn.]]* SuperToughness: In chapter 30, an EXALT trooper takes "a two second full auto burst in the chest" and still tries to get back up. Another one only stumbles after taking an Arc Grenade and Arc Thrower shot.* SureLetsGoWithThat: A meta-example, as Arad was always planning to use [[http://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Cult_of_Sirius The Cult of Sirius]] [[ContinuityNod from XCOM: Apocalypse]] as a faction of LesCollaborateurs working with the aliens. When ''Enemy Within'' for XCOM was announced with EXALT playing a similar role that the [=CoS=] once did, it only made the author's job easier.* TakenForGranite: Used liberally during the [[spoiler:XCOM Base Defense courtesy of Twilight against the Ethereals.]]* TalkingTheMonsterToDeath: In the bonus "WhatIf" chapter, Fluttershy uses The Stare on a Chryssalid to force it to bring them to the Ethereal Overlord, who she lectures until it seeks peace with Earth, and then she does the same with the Council of Nations. It's as silly as it sounds.* TeleFrag: In chapter 33 [[spoiler:Twilight does this to a Sectopod.]]* [[TheseHandsHaveKilled These Hooves Have Killed]]: Twilight seriously freaks upon splattering a Chryssalid, even though it was about to rip her apart, and is still shaken up by it in later chapters. In Supplemental Notes 3, Vahlen notes that Twilight absolutely refuses to use her "Crush" ability in the lab tests and instead breaks down and becomes hysterical at the idea. Just how hysterical is revealed in the next chapter.* TeleportSpam: In chapter 33 Twilight does a bewildering amount of this, [[spoiler:taking down enemies all over XCOM HQ before heading to the surface.]]* TheyWouldCutYouUp: Funnily enough, Twilight is already in the captivity of an organization where this trope is their typical [=MO=]. However, the Council has also recommended sending Twilight to another base where only painful experimentation awaits her, which many [=XCOM=] personnel recognize as a horrible possibility and seek to prevent it.* ThisCannotBe: In chapter 30 this is [[spoiler:the Sectoid Commander's reaction to the XCOM troopers having magic/psionics. Justified, in that in the game, it's only after ''autopsying'' the Sectoid Commander that psionics even become possible.]]* TimeMaster: Discord is capable of this, turning a potential bloodbath into a scene of chaos while time was paused. He's even good enough to accelerate time on one specific object, specifically the homing beacon's timer.* TooDumbToLive: ** Vahlen... You have a subject who is quite obviously traumatized and blatantly freaking out at the idea of performing the task you want her to perform. This subject is also [[MindOverMatter literally capable of killing you with a thought]]. Yet your approach is to continue forcefully pressuring her, driving her deeper and deeper into obvious hysteria, never once considering the fact she just might get so panicked she'll unthinkingly demonstrate her Crush power ''on you''. Congratulations, Vahlen, you're a shoo-in for the Website/DarwinAwards. Fortunately, Vahlen gets better.** Lana's teasing Matt over catching him hugging Twilight goes to the point that she puts a pinup portrait of Twilight in Matt's locker. As he promptly reminds her, anything relating to Twilight's existence is highly classified. If her superiors found out about it, Lana could wind up imprisoned or even ''executed'' for such an act.* TranquilFury: ** In chapter 20, Shen's displeasure is demonstrated with a low-key darkening of expression, clenching of the jaw and narrowed eyes, compared to Matt's ranting, growling and gesturing.** Bradford in chapter 27 when Lana tries his patience.--> Gone was the mask of sympathy and in its place was the glare that had made Bradford infamous. The one sentence he spoke filled the room more than Lana’s shouts even though it wasn’t a decibel louder than his usual speaking voice.* TranslatorMicrobes: Twilight's translation spell. First used to communicate with the humans, chapter 14 sees X-Com try and use it to converse with a captured Thin Man. Results are... less than satisfactory.* TurnTheOtherCheek: After Lana explains that Dr.s Ngo and Mills would not have put her into Interrogation had they been aware of who she is, and that Vahlen has her reasons for being so forceful about finding out how Twilight Sparkle can do things that defy the world as she understands it, Twilight readily forgives all three. Shen is amazed at Twilight's ability to forgive Vahlen, privately thinking to himself that he wouldn't in her hooves.* UnstoppableRage: [[spoiler:Twilight]] in chapter 33 after [[spoiler:aliens kill Kim and Joel and critically wound Vahlen.]] In ''Mente Materia'' chapter 13 we learn that her confirmed kill count is 417 aliens TakenForGranite, with who knows how many more unconfirmed.* VillainousBreakdown: [[spoiler: Vahlen has one in chapter 17.]]* WhatIf: A bonus chapter was released where Fluttershy was sent instead of Twilight, where she quickly conquers both Earth and the Aliens with the the power of her Stare and the Magic of Friendship.* WhatWereYouThinking: ** Commander Bradford gives one to both Matt, over his choosing to take part in mission Silent Rain despite his having an unknown "spell" cast on him by Twilight Sparkle, and to Vahlen, over her frankly suicidal attempts at intimidating cooperation from Twilight, in chapter 11.** Matt gets to give a similar speech to Lana over putting a photo of the highly classified alien lifeform whose existence she is sworn to keep secret under pain of imprisonment and/or death in his locker like a pinup photo.** Lana gets one from Matt and Shen alike in chapter 20 when she finally comes clean to them about how she tricked Twilight into thinking Matt has a crush on her.* WhamEpisode: ** Chapter 17. [[spoiler: Vahlen finally breaks down and admits that Twilight really doesn't seem to have any sinister purposes, even admitting that Project: Stardust is a valuable resource in its own right. And Twilight receives a letter from her homeworld, meaning the Princesses have finally found her.]]** Chapter 20. [[spoiler: Lana's "gag" comes out and leads to major strife between the members of Project Stardust. And Twilight has just figured out that Matt is the human who captured her...]]** Chapter 21. [[spoiler: The Wallflower spell turns out to not work on the cybernetic alien forces, such as Cyberdisks. This results in Lana getting her arm shot off and then dying.]]** Chapter 22. [[spoiler: Twilight has agreed to actively help X-Com defeat the alien invaders after learning some important details about how they work. She and Dr. Vahlen have discovered she can create [[{{Magitek}} "spell-circuits"]] using Elerium that will allow others to artificially replicate magic. Discord reveals he can see everything that's happening on Earth and reach out to its inhabitants at any time he wants... which he uses to bring Lana back to life.]]** Chapter 28. [[spoiler: People are going to start developing psionic powers like wildfire because of Twilight's presence; the more people who "awaken", the faster it'll happen and the wider it will spread. Also, Twilight has been made known to the other Strike team leaders, who originally weren't in the know.]]** Chapter 32. [[spoiler: What appears to be the Equestrian star system has been found. EXALT has slipped infiltrators into XCOM HQ and the aliens are beginning their attack on the base.]]** Chapter 33. [[spoiler: The aliens attack XCOM HQ. Kim and Joel are dead, Vahlen is critically wounded, Twilight goes into UnstoppableRage and wipes out most of the invaders only to be overpowered by the Overseer Ethereal and shot by a human.]]** Chapter 34. [[spoiler: Twilight isn't getting better, so XCOM builds the "Kaleidoscope" to send her back to Equestria, only to be attacked by Luna and some guards and barely saved by Discord.]]** Chapter 36. [[spoiler: War has come to Equestria, and the ponies are losing badly. The Ethereals have began assimilating them in a similar manner that they did with Exalt. X-COM soldiers are beginning to display more and more extreme abilities, and the Council has decided to aid the Equestrians.]]* WhamLine: ** [[spoiler: Pinkie Pie's one-line letter to Twilight]] in Chapter 19-->[[spoiler:'''Pinkie Pie''': Elerium!]]** The end of chapter 29.-->'''Bradford:''' “Ladies and gentlemen, [[spoiler:we have located the planet-side base of operations for the invaders."]]* WithGreatPowerComesGreatResponsibility: Twilight's attitude towards some of her more extreme magic, like transmogrifying living beings or the Want-It, Need-It spell. She will not hear of performing such magic for X-Com, citing it as too dangerous.* {{Woolseyism}}: InUniverse; Twilight's translation spell works like this: Providing the best possible translation for whatever word she's saying to whomever she's speaking to.* WordSaladTitle: Hilariously, the story offers and explanation for the ridiculous names missions would be generated with in VideoGame/XCOMEnemyUnknown. Turns out they did have a machine that would just randomly match words together.* TheWorfEffect: ** Twilight effortlessly crushes a Chryssalid... and is then taken down anti-climatically with one Arc Thrower shot.*** WorfHadTheFlu: InUniverse, it's noted that the soldier who captured Twilight had the luck of taking her by surprise, and her telekinetic powers means that an attempt to take her down when she's not stunned, confused and terrified would ''not'' be so easy. As chapter 33 proves. In ''spades''.** In chapter 33 the Overseer Ethereal demonstrates its power by psionically immobilising [[spoiler:Twilight]] with ''two words'' after the latter had run roughshod over its minions.** In the same chapter, [[spoiler:after petrifying most of the invasion force, splattering a mechanoid with a vault door, and shooting down a scout and a battleship by ramming them into each other, she is taken down by a single pistol shot from a terrified fighter pilot.]]* WouldHurtAChild: The EstablishingCharacterMoment of the Muton Berserker in chapter 28 is it using a child as a human shield.* WrongGenreSavvy: In canon ''VideoGame/{{X-COM}}'' or some other thematically similar work like ''Wiki/SCPFoundation'', Vahlen's belief that the [[CuteIsEvil cute, powerful animal is out to eat your face]] would be right and the paranoid approach to it would indeed be appropriate. In Stardust? Not so much.* XRayVision: In chapter 29 [[spoiler: it seems Zhang is developing this power.]]%%From this point on, anything from Stardust is a Late Arrival Spoiler. Spoiler-marking things like the Base Defense, human magic/psionic use etc. is unnecessary.!''Fortitude Amicitia'' contains examples of:* CanisLatinicus: A minor case. The title should read Fortitud'''o''' Amicitia, which means Strength from friendship. Fortitude is an English word.* DisproportionateRetribution: Chapter 1 mentions that before the Unicorn Council that itself preceded Celestia there was a Queen Solaria who petrified ponies just for gazing on her without permission. [[spoiler:Implied to be a pre-Discording Celestia, particularly if one [[CallBack remembers the conversation she and Discord had]] in ''Stardust'' chapter 31.]]* HumansAdvanceSwiftly: This attitude is expressed by the Dusk Guard in chapter 1.* InTheBack: In chapter 4 [[spoiler:a stealth Muton literally backstabs Yuri.]]* LateArrivalSpoiler: Abounds for FanFic/TheDuskGuardSaga.* PoliticallyCorrectHistory: A team of archaeologists discovers ruins of Solaria's castle. [[spoiler:Celestia shuts the whole thing down, citing unwillingness to dig up past sins.]]* SequelHook: At the end [[spoiler:someone reports to Vide about the ponies.]]* ShoutOut: In chapter 5 the XCOM-Dusk Guard squad hear a radio transmission involving [[VideoGame/AceCombat Sky Eye, Mobius, Pixy]] and [[VideoGame/Left4Dead2 Papa Gator.]]* WrenchWhack: In chapter 4 Sky Bolt throws one at a stealth Muton.

!''Broken'' contains examples of:

* BreakingSpeech: One of the effects of the Overseer Ethereal's CurbStompBattle against Twilight is that she's hallucinating it doling these out.* GetAHoldOfYourselfMan: Fluttershy delivers a speech to this effect when Twilight breaks down in front of her and the rest of the Mane Cast.* HeroicRROD: This seems to be one of the effects of Twilight's rampage during the base assault in ''Stardust''. She doesn't have enough magic power left to even pick up cleaning supplies.* {{Interquel}}: Takes place in the TimeSkip from ''Stardust's'' Second Contact chapter.* RapidFireNo: Twilight's reaction when [[spoiler:she fails to execute a teleport back to Earth.]]* ShellShockedVeteran: Twilight is this so much, it's terrifying.* YouWereTryingTooHard: [[spoiler:Celestia and Luna grant Twilight her ascension to alicorn]] after the latter realises this of herself.

!''Mente Materia'' contains examples of:

* AGlassInTheHand: Lana does this in chapter 9 when Applejack accidentally brings up her father.* AIIsACrapshoot: It's implied in chapter 19 that [[spoiler:the minotaurs had this problem.]]* AllOfTheOtherReindeer: Alvar's old clutchmates now treat him far differently thanks to [[LonelyAtTheTop his new status as High Talon]], which greatly annoys him.* AnArmAndALeg: In chapter 7 [[spoiler:Matt loses his left hand to the PSI gauntlet overloading.]]* AnOfferYouCantRefuse: In chapter 16 we learn that Victor was offered this after he was captured for shooting Twilight back in ''Stardust'': Be offered as a sacrifice to the Equestrians should they come hungry for vengeance, [[LeaveBehindAPistol take a proffered syringe and be reported KIA]], or join XCOM.* AndIMustScream: ** Not content with the banishment instituted by Celestia (see Cruel Mercy below), Discord adds his own bit of horrifying: He lets the invaders' bodies burn on the Sun's surface. The original spell then restores them, only for the process to start again.** In chapter 10, there is InUniverse speculation that Floaters are subject to this, from how they are occasionally seen tugging at their implants.* AntiMagic: In chapter 17 [[spoiler:EXALT use magic-disabling "Jammer" grenades.]] In chapter 18 we learn [[spoiler:they also have portable structure-sized "Equalizers".]]* ArmorPiercingAttack: Griffon weapons have some sort of enchantment that lets them go right through alien armour despite their medieval appearance. The Council is understandably interested.* AscendedExtra: Victor Spiegel only appeared in Stardust as the panicking fighter pilot who shot Twilight by accident in chapter 33; here, he has been upgraded into the main cast and is XCOM's only teleporter.* AuthorityEqualsAsskicking:** Celestia and Luna utterly destroy the aliens attacking in chapter 2.** In chapter 4 we see Shining Armor do his thing in a training exercise against Matt's squad. The latter pull all their magic tricks and still barely manage to avoid a CurbStompBattle.** In chapter 4 we learn that XCOM's encounters with Ethereals tend to go poorly, with their first encounter resulting in a TotalPartyKill. It thus surprises them to see Celestia taking on one, along with its commanded army, with ease.* BadDreams: In chapter 16 Luna sees that most of XCOM are suffering from this.* BigDamnHeroes: ** Applejack does this for Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders in chapter 7. Lana does this for her shortly afterwards.** In chapter 11 Victor, Fluttershy and Zecora are about to be overrun by [[spoiler:a lot of Chryssalids]] when [[spoiler:Twilight teleports in and teleports them out.]]** In chapter 17 three MEC troopers save Shining and Twilight from mutons.* TheBerserker: The Floaters are described as blindly charging into battle, and shooting at any targets of opportunity, be they civilian or military, completely disregarding their own safety.* BreakOutTheMuseumPiece: In chapter 7 it turns out that Titan armor, plasma weapons, and psi amps aren't working right in Equestria, forcing most of XCOM to go back to Kevlar vests and laser weapons.* BroughtDownToBadass: ** Earth ponies and pegasi have almost no access to their magical talents on Earth, though their strength and speed remain intact.** In chapter 7 the XCOM volunteers to Equestria are forced to deploy without access to Titan armour, plasma weapons, or magic. They are still quite effective.* CallBack:** XCOM's current laser weapons are noted to be sleeker than the old models. Looks like Dr. Shen made good on his vow back in ''Stardust''.** In ''Stardust'' chapter 31, it was said that Elerium/Arcanite addiction was responsible for Luna going Nightmare. In chapter 7, it turns out it's making [[spoiler:Matt]] loony too. In chapter 8, it's speculated that it may have been responsible for making Sombra nuts too.** In chapter 7 [[spoiler:Matt]] becomes the newest XCOM member to lose an arm.* CanadaEh: Mentioned in chapter 14.--> ''Others, on the other hand, are held to be so uniformly polite that they’ve become a sort of legend among humans (NOTE: see file CANADA).''* CloseRangeCombatant: Earth ponies' strength in melee enables them to fill the gap in human capabilities that the aliens exploit with units like Muton Berserkers. [[spoiler:EXALT is entirely aware of this and advises its operatives against close combat with them.]] That said, engaging Berserkers in melee is still advised against for most earth ponies. Minotaur on the other hand are indeed strong enough to face berserkers in direct combat.* CouldSayItBut: Lana gets revenge for volunteering her to spend time with Rarity by implying that Matt and Twilight had a relationship back on Earth.* CruelMercy: Banishment to the sun is an AndIMustScream situation where the victims' bodies are kept in suspended animation but their minds are left free to think.* DayInTheLimelight: Chapter 11 is focused around the perspective of [[spoiler:Victor Spiegel.]]* DeathFromAbove: The pegasi Dive Strike.* DestructiveSaviour: As we learn in chapter 8, [[spoiler:Matt's]] antics caused much of the property damage in the hamlet XCOM was supposed to save.* DoubleStandard: InUniverse in chapter 16 with the CMC. When Cadance asks them how they would interpret Twilight's behaviour if it was due to Big Mac, they correctly diagnose it as love, but because it's being brought about by Matt, they think it's due to MindControl.* DownerBeginning: The first proper chapter - that is to say, the second one - has a major alien attack on various Equestrian cities, including an Ethereal personally going after Twilight.* TheDreaded: An Ethereal's threat level: '''DO NOT ENGAGE'''.* DressingAsTheEnemy: Inadvertently done in chapter 7 when the XCOM volunteers to Equestria are forced to deploy in Kevlar. "Armored vests over dress shirts and slacks? All we'd need is a dash of orange and [[http://xcom.wikia.com/wiki/EXALT we'd look like—]]"* EatenAlive: Discord eats a Muton Berserker whole in chapter two.* EldritchAbomination: Discord, full stop. It was shown in Stardust, but becomes even more prominent in Mente Materia, with him eating a Muton Berserker (and half the street with him) in Chapter 2, and doing an Alucard-worthy multiple-eyes-stare to get information out of a guard in Chapter 3.* EmbarrassingFirstName: In chapter 3, we learn that [[spoiler:"Lana" is actually short for Elaine.]]* EntertaininglyWrong: According to the CMC, Twilight nursing Matt and turning red while looking at him obviously means that she's been brainwashed!* EverythingsWorseWithBears: Not just bears, [[spoiler:Chryssalid-infected bears!]]* EvilCounterpart: As in canon, the Mutons are described as "a dark twin to the humans".* EvilLaugh: [[spoiler:Matt]] does this in chapter 7 as he's cleaning house with the aliens. In chapter 8, a Council member says that "that laughter will haunt me to my grave."* ExactWords:** Twilight was forced to order Lyra to stop sneaking into XCOM's compound to stalk the humans. She didn't say anything about outside of it, though...** In chapter 24, Matt tells Shining that "the princess requires your presence at the Vault of the Sun." [[spoiler:He didn't say which princess...]]* {{Facepalm}}: Alvar can't help but do this after his bodyguard constantly keeps tilting his head in response to everything.* FailedASpotCheck: Despite checking Zecora's hut, they fail to notice her the first time. Given her injuries, she likely hid from them.** The CMC hide in a room to evade XCOM personnel after trespassing into their labs and utterly fail to notice [[spoiler: the pile of dead pony corpses left by alien infiltrators in the corner.]]* {{Foreshadowing}}: In hindsight, Equestrians having limited access to magic on Earth should have warned us that Humans would have the opposite problem in Equestria...* FramingDevice: The story seems to be being narrated by a pony guard to a human tourist boy.* GotVolunteered: Lana and Finch are used this way so Matt can get away from Rarity.* GrenadeHotPotato: In chapter 17, Alvar's myrmidon catches a Cyberdisc grenade and returns it to sender.* HanlonsRazor: Discussed by Luna in chapter 22.--> When somepony does something that hurts you, it’s frightfully easy to assume their actions were deliberate and intended to cause the pain you suffer. I will not try and argue that there are some that harm others deliberately, but it’s just as likely that their actions were unintentional and not meant to have the effect that they did.* HearingVoices: [[spoiler:Matt keeps hearing someone(thing?) say "Kill them all" in his head]] in chapter 7, but mistakes it for radio chatter.* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Watcher dies to give Victor and Fluttershy time to escape.]]* HonorBeforeReason: Despite the impending danger, Alvar prioritizes getting a poisoned Zhang to the healers before his own evacuation [[spoiler: because Zhang took a hit that was meant for him]].* HumansThroughAlienEyes: ** Some of the {{Fictional Document}}s report on mankind through pony perspectives. The general consensus is that mankind is a curious contradiction, appallingly disharmonious and self-centred by pony standards, simultaneously capable of great good and evil, and not to be taken lightly.** In chapter 16 Alvar and Shaojie discuss the differences in warfare between humans and griffons. Alvar can't understand human disdain for fair fights or the refusal of the defeated to submit to the victor.* IAmTheNoun: Senator Goleman shouts "I am the state!" in chapter 3 when the one speaking to him talks about state secrets, to which the other calmly dismisses the outburst.* IJustWantToBeNormal: Alvar wishes he could participate in the training exercise, but can't due to his new status and being alienated by his peers.* IdiotBall: Fluttershy gets handed one in Chapter 11. Not only does she dash off without her protective security detail, later on she even ignores orders and blocks Victor from shooting a zombie-chryssalid bear it despite being warned beforehand on what to do. * ImplausibleFencingPowers: In chapter 4, Shining Armor uses blades to deflect bullets. Fired on full auto. [[OffhandBackhand Without even looking at the shooter.]] [[spoiler:He's actually using magic to detect the rounds coming in so he knows where to move the blades.]]* InSeriesNickname: In chapter 19 [[spoiler:Chrysalis]] calls Ethereals "Empty Ones".* InstantArmor: Luna demonstrates this in chapter two.* InternalReveal: XCOM only learns about the alien attack on Equestria two days (and chapters) after the fact.* JediTruth: Victor didn't exactly know Twilight while she was on Earth in response to Fluttershy's question, but he DID shoot her!* KickTheDog: InUniverse, Victor certainly feels this way after being rude to Fluttershy.* KillItWithFire: In chapter 12 we learn that [[spoiler:the Everfree Forest]] was sanitised with fire magic and lightning after the events of the previous chapter.* LaserGuidedKarma: Matt finally gets to turn the tables regarding Lana's teasing of his relationship with Twilight by using her apparent connection to Firecracker.* LeaveHimToMe: In chapter 18 [[spoiler:recovered EXALT documents indicate Vide ordered other EXALT operatives to avoid contact with Matt and Lana so he can deal with them himself.]]* LeeroyJenkins: Fluttershy rushes headlong into the depths of the Everfree, so desperate to help possible survivors that she abandons her own protective detail in the process in a war zone.* LesCollaborateurs: Chapter 22 reveals that [[spoiler:Tirek]] has thrown his lot in with the aliens.* LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe: In chapter 17, we see minotaurs carrying shields tough enough to absorb plasma shots.* {{Magitek}}: In chapter 17, we see the Stardustverse version of the Kinetic Strike Module in action. Twilight recognises it as based on a spell she had given XCOM months ago.* MakeAnExampleOfThem: Discussed in chapter 18 [[spoiler:by EXALT as a means of reducing Equestrian morale.]]* MakeMeWannaShout: At the end of chapter 16, Luna uses the Royal Canterlot Voice to stun [[spoiler:six Seekers trying to sneak up on her and Victor.]]* MathematiciansAnswer: Alvar's response to the ideas surrounding his bodyguard? "Yes."* MedievalStasis: As learned in chapter 5, almost all traditional pony military tactics are seriously outdated by human standards, including use of phalanxes.* MercyKill: Victor considers this option to spare himself, Zecora, and Fluttershy from being [[spoiler:impregnated by Chryssalids]], but is saved from this decision thanks to [[BigDamnHeroes Twilight appearing]].* MindOverManners: Discussed in chapter 5, where it's said that the aliens' use of mind magic offensively is considered horrible and such abilities have been illegal in Equestria since its founding.* MoreHeroThanThou: In chapter 24, we learn that [[spoiler:Cadance]] ordered her guards to cover retreating civilians while she fought aliens.* MythologyGag: ** In chapter 3, one of the shell companies hiding XCOM is a PMC led by Otto X/Zander.** In chapter 4, the characters mention rescuing Peter van Doorn.** In chapter 6, Annette Durand is mentioned as one of the XCOM members going to help Equestria.** In chapter 7, the pegasus chariot pilot who serves as reconnaissance during the Ponyville intervention is named Big Sky.** Chapter 11 is an adapted-for-Equestria version of [[spoiler:Site Recon.]]** In chapter 22, Night Light tells Matt that it took two years and a wedding invitation for Twilight to tell her friends about her brother.* NecessaryDrawback: The ponies' normal armour is useless against plasma. The replacement, involving suits made of dragon scales enhanced with heat shielding spells, is inferior against conventional damage because it lacks the hardened plate needed.* NothingIsScarier: Victor's group doesn't run into anything for a while upon entering the Everfree. After learning about all of the normal dangers not including the Ethereals, Victor is understandably on edge.* ObliviousGuiltSlinging: Twilight thanks Victor for [[spoiler:saving her friends]], making him feel even worse about shooting her in Stardust.* OhCrap: ** Matt's reaction in chapter 3 to seeing Shining Armor on TV.** Victor's reaction in chapter 11 when [[spoiler:a Chryssalid emerges from a bear.]]** Victor loses it again in chapter 16 when [[spoiler:Princess Luna]] confronts him over his BadDreams about accidentally shooting Twilight.* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: In chapter 16 Alvar's normally silent, head-tilting Myrmidon bodyguard shoots him a DeathGlare when he starts going into detail about Myrmidons.* PersonOfMassDestruction: ** Celestia and Luna amply demonstrate their sheer power in the second chapter. Luna destroys a Battleship with five magic beams in under a second and destroys its escorts with even greater ease, while Celestia shuts down a small alien army and teleports away whole alien spacecraft while toying with an Ethereal and casually {{No Sell}}ing its attacks.** The Ethereals can singlehandedly down airships and lay waste to whole platoons.* PrinceCharmingWannabe: Firecracker never misses a chance to try and flirt with Lana. She finds it annoying.* ProperlyParanoid: given that Equestria is being invaded by the Ethereals, Victor's wish to be prepared for trouble is completely justified.* RageBreakingPoint: In chapter 19, [[spoiler:Chrysalis taking on Twilight's appearance in an attempt to manipulate Matt is what causes him to boil with Tranquil Fury and decide to refuse the changelings' proposal of an alliance.]]* {{Ranger}}: They are mentioned to exist in chapter 18, not a formal branch of the Equestrian military, but rather "an informal group of survivalists, retired and ex-soldiers, and various skilled individuals that endeavor to make wild regions like the ‘Badlands’ safe for others."* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: In chapter 3, Shining Armor delivers one to an unruly politician.* RequiredSecondaryPowers: Matt's SuperReflexes don't come with a boost to his physical speed, meaning he can see things happen but can't always physically respond to them in time. [[spoiler:He ''can'' activate his magic though.]]* RestrainingBolt: Discord's curse prevents Celestia from physically harming any living being, which proves a hindrance even as she tries to bypass its limitations with spells that are only indirectly lethal.* RockBeatsLaser: Humans certainly demonstrated this early on as they used primitive guns against plasma weapons, taken to a whole new level by zebras (most likely Sabra of the Dusk Guard) beating Mutons with a simple staff.* SarcasmFailure: In chapter 7, Lana is so taken aback by Twilight's situation that she can't bring herself to make a wisecrack.* ScarilyCompetentTracker: In chapter 11, Watcher can pick out details on their quarry that Victor can't with low light-amplification gear.* ShoutOut: ** [[Series/{{Firefly}} "He kills the X-Rays with his mind."]]** [[VideoGame/TeamFortress2 "You will be polite. You will be efficient. You will-"]]** [[Series/TheSixMillionDollarMan "We can rebuild him. We have the technology."]]** [[MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail 'What do I do now?' Head tilt. 'What was my father like?' Head tilt. 'What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow?' Head tilt.]]** The motto on the medal Twilight gets in chapter 13 is [[Literature/LordOfTheRings "None Shall Pass".]]** [[Anime/FistOfTheNorthStar "You're already fed," Pinkie Pie said ominously while pointing a hoof before smiling widely and dropping out of sight.]]** The report in Chapter 14 has clearance level [[TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}} Violet]].** In Chapter 15, Rarity is designing clothes for Lana and Jack. She proposes [[Series/StarTrek red]]. Both instantly shoot her down.** In chapter 17, Firecracker [[Manga/ACertainScientificRailgun kills enemies with telekinetically-flung coins.]]** Chapter 21: [[VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance "Meld, son!"]]* StealthHiBye: Through rampant abuse of the Wallflower spell, Lana can do this with ease.* StepfordSmiler: Applejack has Lana pegged as one of these.* StrawmanHasAPoint: Word of God states that the council is made up of unknown individuals, not representatives of funding nations. Senator Goleman's political attacks are completely justified as XCOM is a glorified PMC operating as it pleases, not an official multinational force. It has been pointed out that the nature of the Council is not completely known and they may take the form of TheIlluminati, which means they not only control XCOM but the nations of the world as well. Strawman still does have a point, but not the one that he started with.* TeethClenchedTeamwork: In chapter 18 it's revealed that [[spoiler:some EXALT operatives are starting to question their orders.]]* TheyCallMeMisterTibbs: In chapter 3, Senator Goleman disrespects Bradford by deliberately refusing to call him Commander.* ThisIsReality: In chapter 13.--> '''Spike:''' "Girls, don't you think this whole situation sounds a little too much like a comic book?"* TinfoilHat: Lana jokes to the CMC that the only way to block the 'X Organization's' mind control is to use these. Naturally, the CMC fall for it.* TranquilFury: ** Celestia's response to seeing Twilight hurt in the second chapter.** Shining Armor's state in chapter 24 after [[spoiler:the news of Cadance's death.]]* UnderestimatingBadassery: In chapter 18 [[spoiler:recovered EXALT documents reveal that Vide]] sees little threat from the changelings, griffons and minotaurs, to the point of not even including a detailed assessment of their capabilities or recommended countermeasures.* UnfinishedUntestedUsedAnyway: Played with. The minotaurs intended to test a new cannon when an Ethereal ship appeared, the cannon was used immediately and it counted as being tested when the ship was destroyed.* WalkingArmory: The Myrmidon guarding Alvar has an absurd amount of weaponry on his person.* WeHardlyKnewYe: [[spoiler:Watcher is introduced as a badass spear user, but is killed off in the same chapter he appears.]]* WhamEpisode: Plenty, but Chapter 7 and Chapter 12 especially deserve a mention.** In Chapter 15, we get confirmation that [[spoiler:EXALT is in operation in Equestria, and Princess Luna knows about them.]]** In Chapter 16, [[spoiler:Thin Men (Thin Ponies?) attempt to assassinate Alvar and Seekers are attacking Canterlot.]]** In chapter 19, [[spoiler:Chrysalis reveals that the changelings have gotten into the game, albeit not all of them being aligned with Chrysalis.]]** Chapter 20: [[spoiler:Twilight learns that Victor Spiegel was the one who shot her.]]* WhamLine:** Chapter 9:--> "We will be watching."[[labelnote:explanation]]Not because of what it's saying, but ''who's'' saying it (an Equus native of currently indeterminate species) and being in English rather than an Equus language.[[/labelnote]]** Chapter 12:--> [[spoiler:"All of the Talons are dead.]] I am High Talon now, and [[spoiler:I've come to beg asylum for any of my people that escape Gryphos."]]** Chapter 22:--> [[spoiler:A centaur has been leading their efforts to hunt us down, and I dare not face him directly. ... I struggle to write these words, but by the time you finish this letter, I will likely be dead.]]* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity: In chapter 7, Equestria's much stronger magic field combined with Elerium/Arcanite amplifier raises [[spoiler:Matt's]] magical power to amazing levels, but also makes him unhinged. As pointed out in chapter 8, for currently unknown reasons neither Lana nor the MEC troopers did. In chapter 12 we learn that the former is due to [[spoiler:Elerium causing the user to draw more magic than their brain can safely handle under Equestrian conditions]], though no explanation is yet known for the latter.** Also implied to be have previously been the cause of Luna going Nightmare Moon.* WolverineClaws: Pegasi and zebras use these.* WouldNotHurtAChild: In Chapter 15 [[spoiler:an EXALT operative who had previously shot a grown mare deliberately ignores the foals hiding under a nearby bed.]] Although the jury is still out on whether this is due to morals or some EvilPlan.* YouDoNotWantToKnow: Twilight's admonishment in chapter 13 when Applejack asks about Chryssalids.